Knife Review: Marfione Custom Troodon Hardedge OTF Automatic Knife

The Marfione Custom Troodon Hardedge OTF Automatic Knife

In 1994, just a year after the first prototypes were created in Anthony and Susan Marfione’s apartment, the release of the UDT marked the official beginning of Microtech. The company began renting a building in Vero Beach, Florida, which quickly expanded to nearby empty buildings as the demand for a larger facility became apparent. Since then, Microtech has carved itself a place in history by building a long-standing tradition of innovation and quality that leaves an impression on its customers. Some of their memorable moments include:

• 1995 brought the release of the HALO, which has become a prominent line throughout Microtech’s history and earned the cover spot of the 1995 edition of Fighting Knives magazine.
• In 1999, the Ultratech, the most popular Microtech ever, first hit production. Microtech also earned Blade Magazine’s Manufacturing Quality Award for the second year in a row.
• In 2000, Microtech released the company’s first balisong knife, the Tachyon, which was later followed by the Tachyon II and the Metalmark in 2012. The Lightfoot Compact Combat was awarded Blade Magazine’s Knife Collaboration of the Year, and Anthony Marfione was also featured in “Le Chasseur a L’arc” for the uniquely designed Tomahawk.
• In 2004, the MTX2 was awarded American Made Knife of the year by Blade Magazine, while the original, limited run of the Currahee was produced for testing by the United States Special Forces.
• In 2005, after the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Microtech relocated from Vero Beach, Florida to their current factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
• In 2007, Microtech’s sister company, Microtech Small Arms Research engineered the original STG-5.56, becoming the first knife company to establish a firearms division.
• IN 2009, with their recent expansion in the firearms industry, Microtech & MSAR set up a second shop in Fletcher, North Carolina to better meet the increased production demands.
• In 2011, Microtech’s Select Fire won Most Innovative American Design at blade Show 2011.
• In 2012, after a successful Blade Show, where the Socom Delta won American Made Knife of the Year, Anthony Marfione entered into a collaboration with Mick Strider to create the DOC. 2012 also marked the launch of the Siphon, Microtech’s first high end pen. Both of these pieces were originally only launched as Marfione Custom’s production.
• In 2013, MSAR introduces the new line of XM Series magazines.

Today we will be discussing the Marfione Custom Combat Troodon Hardedge OTF automatic knife, which is currently in stock at BladeOps.

The Blade:

The blade has been made out of Damascus steel. The name itself on this steel dates back to medieval cultures. The name does refer to a craftsmanship style that comes out of India. This was round 300 B.C. which was a time when craftsmanship was large. This steel name was most likely named for the region where it comes out of, in Syria. Damascus was originally used for swords. These swords were known to be tough, almost resistant to shattering, and even capable of getting a very fine edge on it.

At the time, Damascus steel was known as almost a superplastic, because it was hard and durable at the same time. Today, our Damascus steel can outperform the ancient Damascus steels, but many legends have come out of the Damascus steel history.

The Damascus steel is known for the bands and mottling that is welded together in a patterned fashion to create a decorative blade. Often times, this pattern is compared to flowing water. To create this steel, the manufacturer is going to combine different pure metals, depending on what they want to get out of the specific Damascus steel.

When Vegas Forge is discussing their Damascus, they say, “Vegas Forge produces the finest Damascus steel for sale with a focus on craftsmanship. Our stainless Damascus, carbon Damascus, and Mokume Gane are forged with expertise and careful attention to detail and are available in a stunning array of striking patterns. At Vegas Forge, we take pride in the variety, quality, and individuality so you get the very best selection of Damascus.” They go on to say, “Born from a forging tactic that dates back centuries, Damascus steel is known for its distinctive wavy pattern and undeniable strength. At Vegas Forge, our Damascus steel patterns aren’t just wavy – we painstakingly create stainless Damascus, carbon Damascus, and Mokume Gane in a range of patterns. When you purchase from Vegas Forge, you’re getting more than just steel: you’re getting an enduring tradition that will last a lifetime.”

The blade is finished in a Damasteel style, which is most often found on a Damascus blade. This is because of how the steel is made. Like I mentioned, this steel is made when multiple different metals are melted together and then hardened. Because of the different densities, melting points, etc., the steel has a molted look to it. This finish is more about appearance than anything else.

The blade is unique on this version of the Combat Troodon. It is called a Hardedge, because it is not like your typical blade that you would see. For starters, it is basically a rectangle, with each of the sides being sharpened. The spine of the knife extends straight out of the handle and continues in a straight line until the very end of the blade. There is no point on this Custom Combat Troodon, instead, the blade tip is flat across, as well as sharpened. There is also not a belly on this blade, with the bottom edge being just as straight as the spine is.

This does mean that this is not going to be a general-purpose blade. The lack of belly does mean that it is going to be a little more complicated to slice with. The lack of point does mean that you are not going to be able to pierce with this knife. But the point is not fine in the slightest, which does mean that this knife is going to be durable. There is very little chance that the tip cracks or chips, because it is going to be so strong.

The Handle:

The handle is made out of an alloy, which is going to add strength and durability to this custom knife. It is going to add in a little bit of heft, which is perfect, because it will ensure that you feel confident while using this knife. It also is going to keep the maintenance of the handle down, because it is going to be fairly corrosion resistant. Unfortunately, this knife is going to be fairly prone to getting scratched.

That being said, the handle has been anodized black. The anodization process chemically changes the surface of the knife. This means that it is going to be more corrosion resistant, tougher, and more durable, while also being less prone to getting scratched. Really, the anodization process increasing all of the good aspects and qualities of the alloy while removing some of the more negative aspects of it.

The anodization process also adds in the sleek black color that helps to make this MCK knife look classy and elegant, while still looking relatively tough. On the face of the handle, the MCK logo has been stamped in white. This is the only white thing on the entire knife, so it does pop.

While this knife has nearly nothing that is typical, the handle shape is fairly classic for an OTF. The basic shape of the handle is rectangular, although the spine does extend a little bit further out near the hole where the blade deploys form. Then, near the halfway point, there is a short row of jimping and the handle goes in slightly. The butt is squared off.

The belly of the handle is pretty much the opposite of the handle, it does go in very slightly at the top. The butt and head are slightly flared. There are two rows of jimping on the belly, which will work to give you more grip and control while using this knife.

The Pocket Clip:

The pocket clip is wider than your typical pocket clip. It does have a unique shape to it, as there are almost two separate portions of the pocket clip. The first is more hourglass shaped, with the top being the thickest that the clip gets. It does curve in slightly and then extends back out to nearly the thickest again. At this point, the second portion of the clip starts. This portion tapers towards the butt.

The pocket clip is finished satin, which is classic and pairs perfectly with the sleek black handle. It is attached so that you will be carrying tip down, as that is the standard when it comes to OTF knives. The clip has been stamped with the MCK logo as well as the number of this custom knife.

The hardware on this knife is mostly black with bronzed accents.

The Mechanism:

The Combat Troodon is an Out-the-Front Automatic knife. The fact that it is an automatic knife does mean that it is going to fall under a strict set of laws in the United States. These laws state that automatic knives are not going to be legal in all states, cities, or areas. It is your responsibility as the user and purchaser, to know your local knife laws before buying and definitely before carrying this knife with you. You are the responsible party, not BladeOps.

While the legality of an automatic knife can serve as a disadvantage, there is a major advantage of owning an automatic knife: it is going to be easy to deploy. All you have to do is push the lever up that sits on the side of the handle and the blade will be open and ready to use in mere seconds. In situations where every second counts, MCK has made it a breeze to bring this knife into play. There should be no fumbling with this knife.

This is an Out-the-Front knife, or an OTF knife, as it is commonly referred to. Wikipedia explains OTF knives as a type of pocketknife that has a blade that opens and closes through a hole in one end of the handle. This is different than other pocketknives that have the blade come out of the side. They go on to explain that OTF is only referring to the basic portion of the knife’s mechanical operation.

Like has been previously mentioned, this is an automatic OTF knife, which means that the blade travels within an internal track or channel in the same manner as a manual OTF knife. However, the automatic main spring drive and button mechanism that are enclosed in the handle do require the handle of an automatic OTF to be thicker and longer than a manual one.

The lever on the side of the handle is stepped, so that it has enough texture that you can easily find the mechanism and keep your grip on it while you are deploying the blade.

The Specs:

The blade on this custom knife measures in at 3.81 inches long with a handle that measures in at 5.69. This means that when the blade is deployed, it measures in at an overall length of 9.5 inches long. The Marfione knife weighs in at 5.3 ounces. This was proudly made in the United States of America.

Conclusion:

This custom out-the-front model features a hefted anodized aircraft alloy handle and a tri-beveled blade in a Vegas Forge Damascus finish.

Marfione Custom Knives (MCK) are well known for their high-end custom knives and products that feature exotic materials that turn mere tools into works of art. Highlights of this knife include ringed copper hardware and is lasered with the Marfione dagger logo. Additionally, the blade has 3 separate bevels that are all sharpened. Package comes complete with a presentation box, zipper pouch as well as a certificate of authenticity.

This MCK product is currently in stock at BladeOps. This is a custom knife that is definitely going to turn heads. To secure yours today click here.